Former Yankee's teen son died of 'food intoxication'

While vacationing with his family in Costa Rica, the 14-year-old son of ex-New York Yankee Brett Gardner unexpectedly passed away in his sleep due to possible asphyxiation. Costa Rican authorities suspect the 14-year-old's death was due to food intoxication, ABC News 7 informs.

In a statement to ABC News, officials stated that Miller Gardner's death was due to possible suffocation after a food reaction.

Completion of the autopsy requires final toxicology reports, officials stated, adding that they are withholding information on the food or beverage that made Gardner sick.

Brett and Jessica Gardner announced Miller Gardner's death on Sunday via the Yankees' X account.

After he and several family members became ill, the Gardners said their youngest child passed away on Friday while on vacation.

The Gardners stated that their youngest child passed away "far too soon".

The U.S. State Department confirmed Miller Gardner's death in Costa Rica to ABC News on Monday.

According to a State Department official, "We confirm the death of a U.S. person in Costa Rica on March 21. We're following local officials as they investigate death's cause. We have no other comments right now out of respect for the family's privacy during this trying time.

The State Department did not reveal the Gardner family's location when the tragedy occurred.